Attitudes and Understandings of the Grandchildren of People with Dementia

Objectives: The aim of this research is to explore the attitudes and understandings of the grandchildren of people with dementia regarding: health, dementia, their relationship with their grandparents and their emotional state. The same factors are examined with regards to the children’s mothers. Finally we investigate the emotional interaction between grandchildren and mothers. Method: Grandchildren (n=50, 14-21 years old) and their mothers (n=40, 40-65 years old) participated in this study. We used the Burden Interview Scale (Zarit) for the mothers, while for the grandchildren we constructed a questionnaire examining the relationship satisfaction, the quality and frequency of contact with grandparents, and the children’s emotional state. Results: Grandchildren and their mothers living with the patient experience a greater emotional impact and burden than those who do not. The clinical stage of the patient and the nature of their relationship with her/him contributes substantially. There is a positive correlation between the emotional state of the grandchildren and the emotional burden of the mothers. Regarding their own health assessment there is correlation with the gender of the grandchildren. Conclusion: Grandchildren understand and accept the symptoms and the health state of their grandparents. There is a particular emotional interaction between mother and child.